Caveats, counter-caveats over Harihara Panchamasali mutt seer’s expulsion

Pic: A recent photo of Vachanananda Swami arguing with police personnel at Veerashaiva Panchamasali Peetha of HariharDavanagere: The tussle between expelled seer Vachananand Swami and the trustees of Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Guru Peetha in Harihar has escalated, with the seer refusing to abdicate his position.Vachananand Swami and the mutt's trustees have moved court against each other, following the seer's expulsion, with caveats filed in multiple courts in the state. Even before the trustees could act, the Swami filed caveats in the Harihar junior and senior courts and in Davanagere district court. The move was aimed at ensuring that any petition filed against him is brought to his notice, amid indications that trustees may seek legal recourse to evict him from the mutt. On April 13, the trustees expelled the Swami, citing multiple reasons. Caveats were also filed on behalf of the trust in Harihar, Davanagere and at Karnataka high court, ensuring that any legal move by the Swami is communicated immediately to the mutt's trust. Meanwhile, there's more trouble brewing for the Swami as a group of children at the Veerashaiva Panchamasali Guru Peetha have complained that Vachananand Swami had used abusive language on them and subjected them to misdemeanour, prompting an official inquiry by the Davanagere Child Welfare Committee. Acting on the children's plaint, committee chairperson Manjula Mahesh and other officials have visited the monastery, along with the police, to assess the situation. During the visit, Manjula raised concerns over the absence of a register for students staying at the hostel. "Counselling was done for three children, and the committee's report is expected by Monday," she added. "We request Vachananand Swami to leave the Peetha with respect. We have approached the court already and will explore other ways to evict him from the Peetha," warned Kichadi Kotresh, state president of Youth Wing, Panchamasali Community. Trustee H S Nagaraj alleged: "Despite being expelled, the unethical Vachananand Swami remains at the mutt. Society has rejected him. He should explain how he is still using the society and what his contributions are. He was put on the throne for a reason, but acted differently. He should leave the mutt honourably." Vachananand Swami refused to react to the allegations.